So near on so many occasions, the 2014 Giro d’Italia could be the perfect occasion for Joaquim Rodriguez to finally end his long hunt for a Grand Tour victory.

Rodriguez’s last attempt to win the Giro saw him lose a 31-second advantage on the final day – Ryder Hesjedal relegating him into second in the individual time trial. But with the final time trial of this year’s race being an uphill test in the mountains, and therefore more suited to Rodriguez, there should be no repeat this time out.

After a steady start to the season, Purito, world number one in three of the last four seasons, came bang into form at the Volta a Catalunya. Appearing at ease on the climbs, Rodriguez’s winning margin may have been slender but it was nonetheless deserved. A crash at the Amstel Gold Race set him back slightly, but if he can recapture his best form for the Giro then there should be plenty of opportunity for stage wins and a serious bid for the maglia rosa. Chief lieutenant Dani Moreno will be at his side too – provided Katusha do not waver from their provisional line-up.

Rodriguez was so nearly crowned Giro champion two years ago, but with a better-suited parcours this time out, 2014 could finally be the year Purito tops a Grand Tour podium.